Lightbox or printed sign
Pay for light if people need to see your message after dark, or in a dim interior. If your sign does its work in daylight, a well-made printed sign will do it for far less.
When do people actually see it?
Think through your day. A takeaway on a winter evening does most of its trade in the dark, so a dark sign is a shut sign. An accountant open from nine to five sees most clients in daylight. Everything in this decision stems from when and where your audience is looking.
Four tests
- Hours. Do you trade after sunset for a large part of the year? Point to the lightbox.
- Competition. Is the street, the mall or the exhibition aisle already full of bright things? A dull panel will sink among them.
- Image. Does a photograph sell the product? Food, travel and fashion images look especially strong when lit from behind.
- Change. Will the content change regularly? Once a box is in place, a new film is a simple swap, while a new mounted sign means a new board.
If none of those apply, spend the money on the sign. Better materials and a good fixing will do more for you than bulbs.
Comparing the two routes
| Lightbox | Printed sign | |
|---|---|---|
| Visible after dark | Yes | Only with lighting nearby |
| Needs power | Yes, plus an electrician | No |
| Looks in direct sun | Light adds less, and it can look flat | Looks as it should |
| Up-front cost | Higher: hardware and install | Lower |
| Running cost | Electricity and upkeep | None |
| Replacing the image | New film in the same box | New print or board |
| Planning | Lit signs often need consent | May need consent too |
There is a third way
You can light a printed sign from outside, using a trough or spotlights mounted above it. That keeps an ordinary board or fascia, adds night-time presence and can be simpler to maintain. For period buildings it is sometimes the only type of lighting that planners accept. Ask your local authority before you decide on any lit sign.
The print itself
A lightbox needs a backlit film, not an ordinary poster. Standard paper looks muddy and shows every shadow from the lamp. Colours also change when they are lit, so it is worth seeing a test before printing a full set. If you already have a unit, measure it carefully: our page on lightbox graphics explains how.
| Size | Price |
|---|---|
| A2 | £26 |
| A1 | £39 |
| A0 | £65 |
| 30in x 20in | £33 |
| 40in x 30in | £59 |
| 60in x 40in | £99 |
Guide prices from our price list. They exclude VAT and delivery and assume print-ready artwork.
What the film price does not include
The figures above are for the print. A new box, wiring and fitting all need separate arrangements, so ask us if you need a whole unit. An electrician should do any electrical work, and landlords often have rules too. For a broader view, see backlit displays.
Light and lettering after dark.
Your questions.
Can I print a new face for an old lightbox?
Usually. Send us a photo of the unit and its outside, visible and graphic sizes, so we can confirm what it needs.
Do lit signs need planning permission?
Often they do, but it depends on the sign and the location. Your local planning authority can tell you. Do this before you order.
Does a lightbox work inside a shop?
Yes, and it can be very effective in a dim interior or at the back of a shop, where it draws people further in.